Teacher of the Week: Brooke Huffman

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- It is Wednesday, so that means it is time to feature our Teacher of the Week!

This week FCN is spotlighting Brooke Huffman at Sabal Palm Elementary School in Duval County. She has been teaching children with special needs for 17 years.

Currently she is teaching Pre-K children and says teachers must have patience, love and never put a limit on what they think their students can learn.

The parent who nominated Huffman said:

"Reason for Nomination: Ms. Brooke Huffman is my 5 year old son's PK teacher; he is enrolled in a Communication and Social Skills class for students with special needs at Sabal Palm Elementary. As a parent of a child with speech/language delays, I feel that you not only have to be a strong advocate for your child, as they are not able to fully communicate their needs and wants for themselves; but you must also have a teacher who feels just as strongly about your child's needs as you do. Ms. Huffman makes me say WOW!! everyday.

"She is a teacher who not only teaches but is a true advocate for her students. She goes above and beyond to make sure that her students reach their maximum potential. She is a teacher who regardless of the time of day, will answer any concerns brought her way. She is very compassionate about what she does and makes an impact on her students lives. As a result of my son being one of students he has made great progress towards reaching his maximum potential.

"My son has gone from a child who begin her class with only vocalizing words (mumbling) to a child who is reading by himself with comprehension. With her knowledge as a teacher I feel that my son's future as far as his education goes will be a bit more brighter, she makes him want to go to school everyday and learn even more. She is truly deserving of this nomination and I would LOVE to thank her for not only being their for my son but for any other students that come her way."

Of course Huffman says that is wonderful to hear and she loves to see her students grow.

"I still keep in touch with kids who are 17 years old that I have taught. We are pen pals and we write back and forth and I am still friends with a lot of the parents of students I have taught. It makes me feel wonderful," she says.